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UK beer boom: new brewery opens every other day

The United Kingdom is fast becoming a “brewing powerhouse”, according to Government figures that show new independent breweries are popping up every other day.

The craft beer revolution is in full swing in the United Kingdom, where the beer and pubs sector is now responsible for a whopping 869,000 jobs, according to Government figures released this week.

There are now more than 1,400 breweries across the UK, and that number is growing at a rate of three per week.

Community pubs minister Marcus Jones commented: “Today’s figures show Britain is back on the map as a global Brewing Powerhouse with three breweries opening up every week.

“We gave the world the IPA and the Great British pint has been revered ever since. This brewing boom means we are not only creating some of the world’s best beer that we all enjoy in our local pub and at home but also thousands of jobs and a multibillion-pound boost to the economy.

“There is an increasing confidence in the beer and pubs sector with pubs diversifying, community ownership of public houses starting to take off and a booming brewing industry.

“We are determined to build on this momentum and our strategy of lower taxes, less regulation and a growing economy is the best way to support this thriving and diverse sector.”

Society of Independent Brewers chief executive Mike Benner added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for British craft brewing. The number of breweries is soaring leading to more jobs across the UK and more choice for consumers.

“With such an exciting range of different colours, strengths, styles and flavours, in draught, bottle or can format now available, I’m sure there is a beer out there to suit all palates.”

However, it’s not all good news for the beer industry in the UK: despite the surge in independent breweries, the number of pubs continues to fall – from 67,800 pubs across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 1982 to just 48,000 in 2013.